Apparatus for producing a drink, and the use of the apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method for producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with a liquid, such as water, in an automated baby-milk machine. The method included preparing a drink concentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for the total amount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and adding the right amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of the drink at a safe drinking temperature.

This application is a divisional of prior U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/595,248, filed Oct. 9, 2009, which is a national application ofPCT Application No. PCT/IB2008/051382, filed Apr. 11, 2008 and claimsthe benefit of European Patent Application No. 07106247.5, filed Apr.16, 2007, and European Patent Application No. 08152745.9, filed Mar. 14,2008, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein byreference thereto.

The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a drink from mixinga powder formula with a liquid, preferably water. More in particular theinvention relates to an automated baby-milk machine. With thisappliance, a bottle of formula milk can be prepared at the touch of abutton.

Recently a new directive according preparation of formula milk is validfor the UK and probably will spread wider.

Powdered Infant Formula can be contaminated with a bacteria e.sakazakii. This cannot fully be prevented and in specific cases can leadto severe illness or even death. The bacteria can be inactivated bypreparing milk above 60° C. (i.e. above a temperature of 60° C.). It isalmost instantly inactivated at 70° C. Therefore it is advised toprepare formula milk at 70° C. and subsequently cool it down under thetap (manual preparation), see the following known Guidance forPreparation Feeds in the Home (steps 1-11):

“Guidance for Preparing Feeds in the Home Preparing a feed usingpowdered infant formula

Important Normally each bottle should be made up fresh for each feed.Storing made-up formula milk may increase the chance of a baby becomingill arid should be avoided.

1. Clean the surface thoroughly on which to prepare the feed

2 Wash hands with soap and water and then dry.

3. Boil fresh tap water in a kettle. Alternatively bottled water that issuitable for infants can be used for making up feeds and should beboiled in the same way as tap water.

4. Important: Allow the boiled water to cool to no less than 70° C. Thismeans in practice using water that has been left covered, for less than30 minutes after boiling.

5 Pour the amount of boiled water required into the sterilised bottle.

6. Add the exact amount of formula as instructed on the label Addingmore or less powder than instructed could make the baby ill.

7 Re-assemble the bottle following manufacturer's instructions.

8 Shake the bottle well to mix the contents.

9 Cool quickly to feeding temperature by holding under a running tap, orplacing in a container of cold water.

10 Check the temperature by shaking a few drops onto the inside of yourwrist—it should feel lukewarm, not hot.

11. Discard any feed that has not been used within two hours.”

Prior art apparatus and methods lead to several problems ordisadvantages, including: a mixing at a too low temperature (noinactivation), or a mixing at a too high temperature (decrease ofnutritional value). Besides, prior art systems can lead to too slowcooling of the milk, i.e., the milk remains a long time at a too hightemperature. Consequently, bacterial regrowth can occur, and nutritionalvalue decreases. Another problem is a burning danger (milk was notcooled down sufficiently). Moreover, prior art systems can lead to noproper solution of the powder into the water, and therefore to no properinactivation.

The present invention aims to solve or alleviate at least part of theabove-mentioned problems. Particularly, the invention aims to provide animproved apparatus for producing a drink (i.e. beverage).

According to an embodiment, this is achieved by an apparatus forproducing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with aliquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being an automatedbaby-milk machine. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to prepare adrink concentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for thetotal amount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and to add theright amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentratein order to reach the end volume of the drink at a safe drinkingtemperature.

In this way, a drink of a desired safe drinking temperature can begenerated, particularly in an efficient and relatively swift manner.

For example, the mentioned certain amount of hot liquid can be a smallamount of hot liquid, for example an amount that is smaller than theamount of liquid of a certain low temperature that is used. Besides, incertain embodiments, the certain amount of hot liquid can be the sameamount as the amount of liquid of a certain low temperature that isused, or it can be higher than the low temperature liquid amount. Thisdepends for example on the desired safe drinking temperature, thetemperature of the hot liquid and the temperature of the low temperatureliquid.

An embodiment can include a fast cool down of the drink (for examplemilk) prepared at a high temperature.

A further embodiment can include: prepare a milk concentrate by mixingthe amount of formula necessary for the total amount of milk in acertain amount of hot water (for example having a temperature between30-80 degrees C., preferably 37-70 degrees C.). The further embodimentcan also include: adding a right amount of water of a certaintemperature (for example being lower than the temperature of the hotwater) to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of milk at asafe drinking temperature (the safe drinking temperature for examplebeing in the range of 20-45 degrees C., preferably 37 degrees C.). Basiccalculation for reaching an end temperature T-final by mixing 2 volumeswith a certain temperature of the same liquid can include the equation(see also FIG. 1):(T final×V final)=(T high×V high)+(T low×V low)  (1)wherein:V low=volume of liquid with a low temperature;V high=volume of liquid with a higher temperature (i.e. higher than thelow temperature);V final=V low+V high;T final=temperature of a final mix of V low and V high;Tlow=temperature of the coldest fluid, i.e. the low temperature; andT high=temperature of the hottest fluid, i.e., the higher temperature.

Thus, the Volume mixing ratio R (=Vhigh/Vlow) can equal to:R=(Tfinal−Tlow)/(Thigh−Tfinal)  (2).

FIG. 1 (see below) shows examples of calculating volumes andtemperatures.

According to an embodiment, it is possible to compensate for a certaintemperature drop. For example, this can be implemented in a controlsystem (of the apparatus), for instance by starting with water having ahigher temperature (i.e. higher than a predetermined temperature T-high)or by heating the mixing chamber by means of a built-in heater. This isparticularly advantageous in case of (i.e., to compensate for) certaindeviations that can be caused by some principles, for example includingone or both of:

-   -   a temperature drop due to the solving of formula milk in the        water (i.e. mixing milk concentrate); and    -   a principle that milk has a slightly different heat capacity        (i.e., different from the heat capacity of water).

According to a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a coolingsystem to cool the liquid, particularly to provide the liquid of acertain low temperature, the cooling system for example comprising aheat exchanger, Peltier element, heat sink, fan or zeolite-system.

Also, the apparatus can comprise a storage reservoir, for storage ofliquid. Besides, the apparatus can comprise a mixing unit (for example amixing chamber) for mixing the formula with the hot liquid. According toyet a further embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a mixing unit formixing the powder formula with the liquid. The apparatus then preferablyalso comprises a powder formula storage for supplying powder formula tothe mixing unit.

According to embodiments, the apparatus comprises a heater, for examplea heating element, preferably a flow through heater. The heater cangenerate the warm or hot water during operation.

Also, according to an aspect, the apparatus may preferably compriseliquid inactivation means, for example a UV lamp, a filter and/or aheating device.

A further embodiment of the apparatus comprises a pump, particularlyconfigured to pump the liquid, wherein the apparatus optionallycomprises a flow meter.

According to another aspect of the invention, which aspect can beindependent from the features of claim 1, there is provided an apparatusfor producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formulawith a liquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being anautomated baby-milk machine, wherein the apparatus comprises a radiationsystem to create microbiologically safe liquid at adjustabletemperatures, wherein the radiation system comprises a UV-unit.

For example, the radiation system can comprise an UV-lamp and aUV-transparent tube, such that during operation the tube contains thelamp with liquid flowing around, or the liquid flows through a tube withthe UV-radiation coming from the outside. The apparatus may then furthercomprise a lamp function indicator, preferably a UV-dose indicator.Also, for example, advantageously, the apparatus comprises a reactionchamber containing the lamp and tube, wherein the reaction chamber ismade of reflective material, for example aluminum.

According to another aspect of the invention, which aspect can beindependent from the features of claim 1, there is provided an apparatusfor producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formulawith a liquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being anautomated baby-milk machine, wherein the apparatus comprises a filtersystem to create microbiologically safe liquid at adjustabletemperatures, wherein the filter system includes a micro, ultra or nanofilter. In that case, according to a further embodiment, the filter mayfor example comprise a membrane, wherein the membrane has a pore size <1μm, preferably <0.1 μm. Also, for example, the filter can comprise acoarse filter, for example active carbon, to filter large particles, forexample to prevent blocking of the membrane.

According to a preferred embodiment, for example, the apparatus can beconfigured to measure lifetime of the filter, and preferably to generatea signal when the lifetime is reached.

Also, advantageously, en embodiment of the apparatus is configured toadvise to change the filter when the apparatus has not been used for acertain time.

Besides, there is provided the use of an apparatus according to theinvention for producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powderformula with a liquid, preferably water. Use preferably includes one ormore of the following steps a)-d):

a) preparing a drink concentrate by mixing the amount of formulanecessary for the total amount of drink in a certain amount of hotliquid, wherein the right amount of liquid of a certain low temperatureis added to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of thedrink at a safe drinking temperature;b) heating liquid supplied by a storage tank to provide hot liquid,wherein liquid supplied from the same storage tank is cooled to providelow temperature liquid;c) irradiating liquid with UV radiation; andd) filtering liquid utilizing a micro, ultra or nano filter.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in whichcorresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and inwhich:

FIG. 1A-1E depict diagrams of examples according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a first concept according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a second concept according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a third concept according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a fourth concept according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a further concept according to anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a graph relating to the operation of a return tube concept.

FIG. 1 schematically depicts several examples of advantageous mixingprocesses, particularly being carried out by an apparatus for producinga drink. For example, according to a non-limiting embodiment, theapparatus is an automated baby-milk machine. Non-limiting, advantageous,embodiments of the apparatus are depicted in FIGS. 2-6, wherein each ofthese apparatus may carry out the method according to the invention,during operation. For example, according to a non limiting example, theapparatus is an automated baby-milk machine.

Particularly, as follows from FIG. 1, there can be provided a method toproduce a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with aliquid, preferably water. Particularly, a drink concentrate can beprepared by mixing the amount of formula necessary for a total amount(Vfinal) of drink in a certain amount (Vhigh) of hot liquid (having arelatively high temperature Thigh), and to add the right amount (V low)of liquid of a certain low temperature (i.e., Tlow, which is atemperature lower than the mentioned high temperature) to theconcentrate in order to reach the end volume (Vfinal) of the drink at asafe drinking temperature (Tfinal).

For example, above-mentioned formula 2 provides a means that can be usedby the apparatus (for example by a control unit thereof) to determine orcalculate a mixing ratio R (=Vhigh/Vlow) at given temperatures Tfinal,Thigh and Tlow. As is mentioned above, this calculation or determinationmay also take into account certain deviations, for example due to asolving of formula milk in the water (i.e. mixing milk concentrate),and/or due to the principle that milk (or in particular the drinkconcentrate) has a different heat capacity than water.

For example, FIGS. 1A-1E show several examples of mixing cold water Qwith hot milk concentrate HMC to obtain milk having a safe drinkingtemperature of about 40 degrees C. Herein, the hot milk concentrate HMChas already been prepared from mixing an amount of formula (necessaryfor a total drink amount) in a certain amount (Vhigh) of hot liquid.

In FIG. 1A, the temperature of the cold water Q is 0° C. and thetemperature of the hot milk concentrate HMC is 70° C. To achieve thedesired final temperature (of about 40° C.), thus, the apparatus uses amixing ratio R1 of 3:4.

In FIG. 1B, the temperature of the cold water Q is 10° C. and thetemperature of the hot milk concentrate HMC is 70° C. To achieve thedesired final temperature (of about 40° C.), thus, the apparatus uses amixing ratio R2 of 1:1.

In FIG. 1C, the temperature of the cold water Q is 20° C. and thetemperature of the hot milk concentrate HMC is 70° C. To achieve thedesired final temperature (again about 40° C.), the apparatus uses amixing ratio R3 of 3:2.

In FIG. 1D, the temperature of the cold water Q is 30° C. and thetemperature of the hot milk concentrate HMC is, again, 70° C. In thiscase, the apparatus uses a mixing ratio R4 of 3:1.

In FIG. 1E, the temperature of the cold water Q is 40° C. and thetemperature of the hot milk concentrate HMC is 70° C. In this case, theapparatus can determine that it will not be possible to provide thedrink at the desired drinking temperature, and may generate an errorsignal.

For example, during operation of the apparatus, different embodimentsmay be possible. A method of preparation of the drink can include thefollowing steps I-IV (which steps can be carried out in a suitableorder, which order does not have to be the following order):

I) add hot water (for example having a high temperature Thigh in therange of 60-80 degrees C.) in a mixing location, and preferably startstirring the water to create a water vortex; the volume (of the water tobe added) may be based on a temperature (Tlow) of unheated water (forexample present in the system or apparatus, for example in cold watercontainer or reservoir 3, see below);II) add powder P (to the hot water);III) stir (i.e. the water and powder P; stirring is preferably donewhile adding the powder to the water; in this way, the above-mentionedhot milk concentrate HMC can be obtained); andIV) add cold (for example cooled or unheated, and preferably sterilized)water.

In the above, for example, temperature control may be done by adding theright mix of hot and cold water or by heating up the water to the exacttemperature. Also, for example, addition of cold water can be done inthe mixing area (i.e., an area where the powder P is added to the hotwater), or alternatively elsewhere, for example in a bottle 1.

Also, for example, the joining or mixing of hot milk concentrate HMC onone hand and the cold water on the other hand can be carried out invarious ways. For example, a predetermined amount prepared hot milkconcentrate HMC (having the volume Vhigh) can be added to apredetermined amount of the cold water (having the volume V-low).Alternatively, a predetermined amount of the cold water (having thevolume V-low) can be added to a predetermined amount prepared hot milkconcentrate HMC (having the volume Vhigh). Besides, for example, thepredetermined amount prepared hot milk concentrate HMC and thepredetermined amount of the cold water can be joined in a certain mixingarea in a different manner, for example in alternating fashion (whereinseveral parts of the hot milk concentrate amount and several parts ofthe cold water amount are brought alternating into the mixing area), orsimultaneously.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a first apparatus embodiment, which apparatuscan be configured to carry out the above-described method. However, theapparatus can also be operative to carry out a different method, forexample a method wherein a drink concentrate is not being prepared byadding any amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to a drinkconcentrate in order to reach a drink at a safe drinking temperature(Tfinal). For example, the apparatus can also carry out a methodincluding mixing the amount of formula necessary for a total amount(Vfinal) of drink in a total amount (Vfinal) of liquid, to prepare thedrink having the total amount (Vfinal) and the desired drinkingtemperature (Tfinal).

For example, the apparatus of FIG. 2 can be configured to carry out afirst concept, which concept includes a water inactivation method: forexample, (prefiltered) UV or ultra-filtration, water heating by a flowthrough heater, and for example without active cooling. The firstconcept can include an active mixing unit: for example a mixing chamber5 with stirring device, a jug with stirring device, a bottle withstirring device.

Particularly, the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 can include a storagereservoir or tank 3, “storage water”, for example having a capacity of 1liter or a different capacity. The reservoir 3 can contain liquid, forexample cold liquid, and particularly water. For example, the reservoir3 can be configured to be refillable, and may be removable from aremaining part of the apparatus (for example to be refilled).

According to a further embodiment, for example, in case of a removableliquid supply tank (or reservoir) 3, the apparatus can include a “tankpresent” indicator 21. For example, the apparatus can be configured tooperate only, in the case that “tank present” indicator 21 indicatespresence of the reservoir 3.

According to a further embodiment, for example, the apparatus caninclude a “tank almost empty” indicator 22. For example, this indicator22 can generate a signal when the reservoir 3 contains less than apredetermined threshold amount of liquid (for example an amount that isnecessary to produce at least one full drink portion), for example tonotify a user that liquid has to be refilled. Also, for example, theapparatus can be configured to operate only, in the case that “tankalmost empty” indicator 21 does not indicate emptiness of the reservoir3 (i.e., the reservoir contains sufficient liquid for producing at leastone drink portion).

Also, the apparatus can include a (second) reservoir 4, “storagepowder”, configured to hold the formula powder P. The volume-capacity ofthis reservoir can be smaller than the volume-capacity of the liquidreservoir 3 (as a non-limiting example, the storage powder 4 can have acapacity of 0.4 liter). In the present embodiment, the powder reservoir4 can comprise a switch 28, for example being configured to detectopening of an optional cover 4 a of the reservoir 4. Also, the apparatusmay include a load cell 7, for example a load cell 7 being arranged atthe powder reservoir 4 (see FIG. 2).

The apparatus can include a holder 2 configured to hold a bottle 1 (forexample a baby-drinking bottle, or another drink receiver 1). Forexample, the holder 2 can comprise a leakage tray. Also, the holder 2can comprise an adjustable stand.

According to a further embodiment, the apparatus comprising a mixingunit 5, particularly a mixing chamber 5, for mixing the formula powder Pwith hot liquid to obtain a hot drink concentrate, and for example (butnot necessarily) for subsequently mixing the hot drink concentrate HMCwith the cold liquid (i.e. cold water, in the present embodiment). Thepresent apparatus can include a mixing motor 5 a, which can be coupledto a mixer of the mixing chamber/unit 5, to provide active mixing.

In this case, the powder formula storage 4 is arranged for or comprisesmeans for supplying the powder formula P to the mixing chamber 5. Tothis aim, for example the apparatus can be provided with a powdertransport device 6, for example including a screw 6, comprising forexample a respective motor and encoder 6 a (which can be configured todrive the screw 6 to transport a well defined amount of powder P to themixing unit 5).

Preferably, the apparatus according apparatus comprises at least oneheater, for example a heating element, preferably a flow through heater.The embodiment of FIG. 2 comprises a flow through heater 20, which islocated upstream with respect to the mixing unit 5. For example, a coldliquid conduit CW which extends from the liquid reservoir 3 (and whichcan receive liquid from that reservoir 3) can be provided with the flowthrough heater 20. A liquid duct part that extends from the flow throughheater 20 to (a liquid receiving opening of) the mixing unit 5 is a hotliquid conduit HW. The flow through heater 20 is configured to generatehot liquid from liquid flowing there-through. For example, the flowthrough heater can include a thermal cut-off device or switch (“TCO”)25, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises one or more liquid inactivationmeans, for example a UV lamp, a filter and/or a heating device.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 comprises a liquid inactivation means,including an optional radiation system 10, 12 to createmicrobiologically safe liquid at adjustable temperatures, wherein theradiation system comprises a UV-unit 10, 12. For example, the radiationsystem comprises an UV-lamp 12 and a UV-transparent tube (surroundingthe lamp), such that during operation the tube contains the lamp withliquid (being supplied thereto via the cold liquid conduit CW) flowingaround. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the radiation systemcomprises an UV-lamp 12 and a UV-transparent tube (surrounding thelamp), such that during operation the liquid flows through the tube withthe UV-radiation coming from the outside.

According to a further embodiment, the apparatus comprising a lampfunction indicator, preferably a UV-dose indicator 24 (i.e., UV sensor24).

For example, the present embodiment includes a reaction chamber 10 (“UVtank 10”) containing the lamp and tube 12, and the optional UV sensor24. The reaction chamber 10 can be provided with an upstream liquidsupply part to receive liquid from an upstream liquid conduit CW, and adownstream liquid discharge part to pass irradiated liquid to adownstream liquid conduit CW. Preferably, the reaction chamber 10 (andmore preferably at least its inner side, which side is faced towards thelamp 12) is made of reflective material, for example aluminum (forexample to reflect at least part of the UV radiation that is emitted bythe lamp 12).

In addition, the embodiment of FIG. 2 can comprise a liquid inactivationmeans, including an optional filter 11. For example, good results can beobtained when the filter is a Calcium lumps filter 11 (containing forexample Calcium lumps to filter the hot liquid). In the presentembodiment, this filter 11 is arranged downstream with respect to theheater 20 and upstream with respect to the mixing unit 5. The filter 11can be part of the respective hot liquid conduit HW, and can filter(hot) liquid that flows to that conduit HW. Alternatively, for example,the optional filter 11 can be a micro, ultra or nano filter (see alsofor example the embodiment of FIG. 3).

Also, the present apparatus example comprises a pump 8, particularlyconfigured to pump the liquid. The present pump 8 is located downstreamof the liquid reservoir 3, for example upstream with respect of themixing unit 5 (particularly upstream with respect to the heater 20, andparticularly upstream with respect to the liquid inactivation means 10,11, 12). The pump 8 can be controlled to pump well-defined amounts ofliquid through the liquid conduit system CW, HW, towards the mixing unit5.

Also, the apparatus can optionally comprise a flow meter 9, to detect ormeasure flow of liquid, flowing to the mixing unit 5. The present flowmeter 9 is located downstream of the liquid reservoir 3, and for exampleupstream with respect of the mixing unit 5 (particularly upstream withrespect to the heater 20, and particularly upstream with respect to theliquid inactivation means 10, 11, 12).

Besides, the apparatus can include one or more temperature sensors, todetect/measure the temperature of liquid. In the present embodiment,there is provided a first temperature sensor 23, arranged to detect thetemperature (Tlow) of the cold liquid. For example, the firsttemperature sensor 23 can be part of the liquid reservoir 3, of belocated at or near a discharge part of that reservoir 3, or it can becoupled to a cold liquid conduit part CW.

Also, a second temperature sensor 26 can be provided at or near theheater 20, to detect the temperature (i.e. Thigh) of the liquid at/nearthe heater 20.

Preferred examples of operation of the apparatus show in FIG. 2 havealready been described above. For example, during operation, a bottle 1can be placed on the holder 2. A certain amount of hot liquid (forexample water) is generated by the apparatus, and supplied to the mixingunit 5. The liquid is pumped from the reservoir 3 through the coldliquid duct CW, radiation system 12, heater 20, hot liquid duct HW, andsecond filter 11, before arriving at the mixing chamber 5.

For example, during operation, the radiation system 10, 12 can be keptactive during a certain time period, such that the system onlydischarges liquid that is inactivated to a predetermined level (forexample substantially full deactivation).

The heater 20 can be activated during a certain heating period, beforeand/or during liquid flow (through the heater 20), to generate the hotliquid (from liquid received from the radiation system). After a certainamount of hot liquid has been generated, for example, the heater 20 canbe deactivated. The above-mentioned temperature sensors 23, 26 candetect the respective (low and high) temperatures of the liquid, duringoperation.

Also, a certain amount of powder P is fed to the mixing chamber by thepowder feeding system (i.e., including the powder compartment 4 andcontrollable screw device 6).

The hot liquid and powder are mixed to form a hot drink concentrate (forexample a hot milk concentrate HMC) by the mixing unit 5, and theresulting concentrate is fed into the bottle 1. Preferable, an amount ofcold liquid is also fed to the bottle 1, for example before preparationand/or feeding the hot drink concentrate to the bottle 1, duringpreparation and/or feeding the hot drink concentrate to the bottle 1,and/or thereafter (as has been explained in the above).

For example, supply of cold liquid (to the bottle 1) can includeactivation of the pump 8 to pump liquid from the reservoir 3, during atime of the heater 20 not being active (for example before activation,or after deactivation, of the heater 20).

Amounts of powder P, hot liquid and optional cold liquid depend forexample on a desired final amount (final volume V final) of drink thatis to be produced, and the final temperature (for example a safedrinking temperature Tfinal) of the drink. As is described before, forexample, the apparatus can be configured to control the pump 8, heater20, mixing unit 5, 5 a and powder supply system 4, 6 such, depending ondetected liquid temperatures (sensed by the sensors 23, 26) andpredetermined Tfinal and Vfinal parameters, to prepare the drinkconcentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for the totalamount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and to add the rightamount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentrate inorder to reach the end volume Vfinal of the drink at a safe drinkingtemperature Tfinal.

For example, the apparatus can include a controller or control unit (notshown as such), that is configured to process data (for example sensorsignal data of the sensors 9, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28) and control variouscomponents 3, 8, 10, 20, 25, 5, 6 of the system, to achieve anabove-described operation.

For example, the control unit can controls the system, for example, tocontrol sequence liquid flow, powder flow, one or more temperaturecontrols, volumes, mixing, etc.

Also, for example, the apparatus can include a user interface, toprovide user interaction with the apparatus, for example a userinterface including a start button (to active the apparatus), a keypad,(optionally touchscreen-) display, voice-controlled interface, ordifferent type of apparatus handling means. For example, the userinterface can be part of the controller.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an apparatus, which differs from theembodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that a filter system 111 has been included(instead of the above-described radiation system).

For example, the filter system 111 can be a filter system that isconfigured to create microbiologically safe liquid at adjustabletemperatures. Preferably, the filter system 111 includes a micro, ultraor nano filter.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the filter (or filtersystem 111) comprises a membrane, wherein the membrane has a pore size<1 μm, preferably <0.1 μm. For example or in addition, the filter systemcan comprise a coarse filter, for example active carbon, to filter largeparticles, for example to prevent blocking of the mentioned membrane(micro, ultra or nano filter).

According to yet a further embodiment, the apparatus is configured tomeasure lifetime of the filter 111 (for example micro, ultra or nanofilter), and preferably to generate a signal when the lifetime isreached. Also, the apparatus can be configured to advise to change thefilter (for example micro, ultra or nano filter) when the apparatus hasnot been used for a certain time.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the apparatus, which differs from theembodiment of FIG. 2 in that the apparatus is provided with a coolingsystem to cool the liquid, particularly to provide the liquid of thecertain low temperature (T low). For example, the cooling system cancomprise a heat exchanger, a Peltier element, heat sink, fan orzeolite-system.

In FIG. 4, as an example, the cooling system 232 can comprise a Peltierelement system, or a refrigerator-system. In this embodiment, thecooling system 232 is located upstream with respect to the mixing unit205, and downstream with respect of the liquid reservoir 3. Also, aheater (for example, having a hot liquid reservoir, or a flow throughheater) 212 (optionally provided with a first temperature sensor 226) islocated upstream with respect of the cooling system 232. For example,the cooling system can include a cooling system pump 233.

For example, the apparatus can comprise a valve unit, for example athree way valve 231, as in the FIG. 4 embodiment. In this case, an inletof the valve unit received hot liquid from a hot liquid conduit HW. Afirst outlet of the valve unit 231 discharges liquid into a first hotliquid conduit HW1, towards the mixing unit 205. A second outlet of thevalve unit 231 discharges liquid into a second hot liquid conduit HW2,towards cooling system 232.

Besides, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the mixing unit 205 can include anactive mixing area. For example, according to an embodiment of theinvention, there can be provided an active mixing unit 205, that can beprovided with a mixing chamber including a stirring device, and/or a jugwith stirring a device, and/or a bottle 1 with a stirring device.

Operation of the system of FIG. 4 is similar to the above-describedoperation, and includes the use/control of the vale unit 231 and thecooling system 232 to produce the desired amount of drink (V final) atthe desired temperature (T final).

During operation, the pump 8 pumps liquid from the reservoir 3 via afirst cold liquid conduit CW1, to the heater 212. The heater can beactivated during desired time periods to generate heated (hot) liquid.Optionally, the heater 212 is configured to always discharge hot liquid(having the afore-mentioned high temperature T high) during operation ofthe apparatus.

During operation, the valve unit 231 can be controlled to be in a firstvalve position, (for example hot) such that liquid discharged by theheater 226 (via hot liquid conduit HW, the liquid particularly beingheated by the heater 226) is fed directly to the mixing unit 205.

Also, the valve unit 231 can be controlled to be in another, second,valve position, such that liquid discharged by the heater 226 (via hotliquid conduit HW) is fed indirectly to the mixing unit 205, via thecooling system 232. In that case, the liquid can be/is cooled by thecooling system, to achieve a desired low liquid temperature T low,before entering the mixing unit 205 (via a second cold liquid conduitCW1). In that case, for example, liquid fed to the cooling system 232can still have a relatively high temperature (for example due to atemperature of the upstream heater system 212, or due to the heater 212being still activated).

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment, which differs from the FIG. 4embodiment, in that the first cold liquid conduit CW! Is provided with aradiation system, for example UV unit 310 and (downstream thereof) aflow through heater 20′.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the apparatus, which differs from theembodiment shown in FIG. 5 in that an inlet of the valve unit 231′ isconfigured to receives liquid that is discharged by a heater (flowtrough heater) 20. A first outlet of the valve unit 231′ dischargesliquid into to the mixing unit 5. In this case, a second outlet of thevalve unit 231′ discharges liquid into a return conduit (return pipe)450, which return conduit is configured to feed the liquid back to theliquid reservoir 3

Also, the FIG. 6 embodiment includes an optional radiation unit (forexample UV-unit) 310.

For example, the “return tube” concept of FIG. 6 can include the liquidinactivation method, for example by (optionally prefiltered) UV light(by the UV system 310), and by liquid heating by the heater 20.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, preferably, a temperature control canincludes: an automated baby-milk machine wherein a mixing principle ofhot (for example T=37-80° C.) water is followed by application of cold(for example T=0-37° C.) water. The return tube 450 can be implementedwhen a delay time between hot and cold is too long. This is indicated inthe graph of FIG. 7.

For example, during operation of the FIG. 6 embodiment, the three wayvalve 231′ first allows a predetermined volume (V high) hot water topass to the mixing unit 5, during a heater operation water heatingperiod.

Then, the heater 20 s deactivated, and during a subsequent delay time(DT), water that is discharged from the heater 20 (but is stillrelatively warm) is being returned to the reservoir 3 via the returnsystem 450 (to that aim, the valve unit 231′ is in its second state).When it is determined (for example by a temperature sensor 26′), thatthe water at the heater (or the heater) has cooled down to a certaindesired cold water temperature, the valve unit 231′ is switched to itsfirst state, to allow a predetermined volume (V low) of cold water topass to the mixing unit 5. Again, as in the above embodiments,

Also, according to a temperature control embodiment, the hot concentrateis cooled down with cold water from an actively cooled water reservoir(for example cooling with Peltier).

In any of the above-mentioned embodiments, a variation is to cool thestorage container (reservoir 3) instead of having a separate coolingcontainer. In that case, for example, a return tube 450 (see FIG. 6) ispreferably applied as well.

In any of the above-mentioned embodiments, for example, a liquidinactivation method can include: water heating (a certain time at 70degrees C. or higher) by a heating device.

Also, in any of the above-described embodiments, there can be achieved atemperature control in the mixing unit (or chamber) 5, wherein (in themixing chamber) temperatures between 0-95 degrees C. can be achieved bypumping/adding a hot and a cold flow together in the mixing chamber.

Advantages of embodiments of the invention include a relatively compactapparatus, relatively inexpensive, comprising relatively littlecomponents. Also, the present invention can generate the drink swiftly,and in a very safe manner, wherein liquid can be dosed very accurately(thus preventing loss of liquid).

Embodiments of the invention can provide a system for quick delivery ofpurified water (for example UV-purified water) at adjustabletemperatures.

For example, as is mentioned above, in order to deliver a bottle of milkat 37 C a method can be chosen to prepare a concentrate at a hightemperature (greater than or equal to 60° C.) and add colder waterafterwards. Preferably, at least the colder water is “inactivated”, i.e.the removal or de-struction of harmful microorganisms (contrary tosterilization that leads to the complete removal or destruction of alllife forms). Normally water is made potable inactivated by boiling.

In a baby milk machine (see embodiments of FIG. 2-6, for example), milkcan be prepared between temperatures of 20-90 degrees, preferablybetween 30-70 degrees. The milk should be delivered at drinkingtemperature (20-45 C), preferably at 37 C.

Powder Infant Formula (PIF) manufacturers advise avoiding the risk ofgiving the milk which is too hot and want to give the user convenience(no waiting times, no hassle). The usual way to inactivate potable wateris by boiling. However to cool down, water takes a lot of time (about 2hours or more—passive). To create an automatic quick cool down timewhich is below 15 minutes (in the appliance) a unit is desired which isexpensive, difficult to control, and big. Moreover, this is highlyenergy ineffective. An inactivation method which does not heat up thewater is therefore preferred. Several embodiments described above solve,or at least alleviate, this problem.

As follows from the above, preferably, there can be provided a method toprepare a milk concentrate at a requested (high) temperature, whereinsufficient water of a certain temperature is added to reach a finaldrinking temperature (preferably 37 degrees). For this method, quickswitching between cold and hot water is preferred to have the milk asshort as possible at high temperature. The longer the milk is at a hightemperature the more this leads to a decrease in milk quality, bothnutrition and microbial wise. This problem is also solved, or at leastalleviated, by various embodiments that have been described above andthat are shown in FIG. 2-6, particularly by providing a system to createmicrobiologically safe water at adjustable temperatures consists of aUV-unit, a heating element, preferably a flow through heater, a pump, aflow meter and a water reservoir.

For example (see FIG. 2, 6), the UV-unit can consist of a lamp 12, aUV-transparent tube—preferably quarts—, a sensor 24, a reaction chamber10, 310 and electronic control (not depicted as such).

For example, in above-mentioned embodiments, during operation, the UVlamp 12 can radiates a UV dosage of preferably at least 16 J/cm^2 (classB) or ≧40 mJ/cm^2 (class A) to comply with the NSF 55 standard(Ultraviolet microbiological water treatment systems). The latter (≧40mJ/cm^2) is required to fulfill the European Standard EN 14897 (Waterconditioning equipment inside buildings—Devices using mercurylow-pressure ultraviolet radiators—Requirements for performance, safetyand testing).

The sensor 24 can be used to measure the light emission from the UV-lampto check whether the UV-dose is still sufficient. A UV-sensor 24 is themost ideal, however a lamp function indicator 24 in another area of thelight spectrum may suffice (e.g. a sensor for visible light).

As is mentioned above, the reaction chamber 10, 310 can comprise theUV-transparent tube and UV lamp 12 is preferably made of reflectivematerial, for instance (anodized) aluminum.

As addition to the system, a coarse filter, for example a coal filter,can be placed before the UV-unit 10, 12, 310 to filter out biggerparticles and to decrease turbidity below 1 NTU—preferably 0.1 NTU. Thisincreases the performance of the UV-reactor.

In above-mentioned embodiments, a heater 20—preferably a flow-throughheater—can heat the liquid (for example water) up to 100° C. For theautomated baby-milk machine embodiments, particularly, temperaturesbetween 20-80° C. will be set to enable the hot concentrate milk mixingprocedure. Additionally, the heater 20 can heat liquid to a highertemperature (for example higher than 80° C.) to flush the system withhot water to inactivate any biofilm formation in the tubings.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, for example to control theflow/volume of liquid, a flow-meter 9 and/or accurate pump 8 can beused.

Preferably, in the above-mentioned embodiments, liquid conduits(tubings) after the filter are heat resistant and made of material whichprevents forming of biofilm (e.g. sediment formed by deadmicro-organisms).

According to a further embodiment of the apparatus according to theinvention, flow-control is preferred. In other words: it is preferredthat the pump 8 delivers an adjustable flow (during operation).

However, for other beverage applications (i.e. other than producingmilk) flow-control is not necessarily required.

In above-mentioned, embodiments, the UV lamp 12 or the UV reactor/tank10 might be replaceable. For example, a mentioned coarse filter (forexample a coal filter) might be added in front of the UV reactor 10, 310to remove larger particles, thereby decreasing turbidity.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus of the invention can beconfigured to:

-   -   add hot inactivated water (37-80° C.) in the mixing location        (mixing unit 5) and preferably to start stirring to create a        liquid vortex (other mixing principles are possible),    -   add powder (simultaneously) to the hot inactivated water, mix,        and    -   add cold (0-37° C.) water.

For example, temperature control of the end product can be done byadding the right amount of cold water to the hot concentrate. The coldwater can be heated by the heater if necessary. In above-describedembodiments, adding of cold water can be done in the mixing area 5 or inthe bottle 1

Above-described embodiments can also provide a fast cool down of milkprepared at a high temperature.

Again, for example, as follows from the above, powdered infant Formulacan be contaminated with a bacteria, like E. saka-zakii. In order todeliver a bottle of milk at 37 C a method is chosen to prepare aconcentrate at a high temperature (60° C.) and add colder waterafterwards. Preferably, at least the colder water is “inactivated”, i.e.the removal or destruction of harmful microorganisms (contrary tosterilization that leads to the complete removal or destruction of alllife forms). Normally water is made potable inactivated by boiling (inmanual preparation).

For example, in the baby milk machine, milk can be prepared betweentemperatures of 20-90 degrees C., preferably between 30-70 degrees C.The milk should be delivered at drinking temperature (20-45 degrees C.),preferably at 37 degrees C. Powder Infant Formula (PIF) manufacturersadvice to avoid the risk of giving the milk too hot and to give the userconvenience (no waiting times, no hassle).

Normally inactivate potable water is sterilized by boiling, however.However to cool down water this takes a lot of time (˜2 hours ormore—passive method to hand warm, ˜½ hour to 60° C.). To create anautomatic a quick cool down time which is below 15 minutes (in theappliance), until the present invention, an expensive, big and difficultto control cool down unit has to be applied. Moreover, the prior artsystem and methods are highly energy ineffective. An inactivation methodwhich does not heat up the water is therefore preferred.

As follows from the above, for example, a preferred method is to mixmilk at higher temperature and to deliver it at lower temperature. Forthis method, quick switching between cold and hot water is required tohave the milk as short as possible at high temperature. The longer themilk is at a high temperature the more this leads to a decrease in milkquality, both nutrition and microbial wise.

Embodiments of the invention can create microbiologically safe water atadjustable temperatures consists of a micro, ultra or nano filter, aheating element, preferably a flow-through heater, a pump, a flow-meterand a water reservoir.

For example, the currently chosen filter 111 (see FIG. 3) can consistsof a UF (ultra filtration)-membrane and active carbon. The membrane ofthe membrane filter 111 can have a pore size <1 μm, preferably <0.1 μmto physically block all microorganisms like bacteria (˜1 μm), cysts (˜10μm), and viruses (˜0.1 μm). The active carbon can filter the largeparticles, e.g. to prevent blocking of the membrane. Optionally, theactive carbon is left out, for example to be replaced by another coarsefilter, or to have no pre-filter at all. This depends on the quality ofthe entry-water.

Preferably the filter 111 (see FIG. 3) has a lifetime of 180-200 days or2100+/−100 liters. The lifetime can be extended or decreased dependingon the final specification. For example it can be intended to replacethe filter after ˜1 year, which is approximately the time which isexpected for the certain apparatus embodiments (for example an automatedbaby-milk machine to serve milk for 1 child).

For example, in embodiments of the invention (see FIG. 3), the lifetimeof the filter 111 can be measured by measuring the flow (of liquidflowing through the filter 111) electronically or mechanically. When thelifetime is reached, a signal can be generated by the apparatus,preferably electronically. Also, when the appliance has not been usedfor a certain time the appliance can give the advice to change thefilter.

For example, a currently used filter can purify water according NSF EPA231 (microbiological water purifiers): 6 log reduction bacteria, 4 logreduction virus, 3.3 log reduction cysts. By choosing the right poresize, the will be largely exceeded if they are impenetrable for bacteria(˜1 μm), viruses (˜0.1 μm), protozoa (10 μm), and algae (10 μm).Slightly different levels of purification are therefore possible.

Preferably, according to an embodiment, a mentioned water (active coal)filter can purify (required safety factor 100%) water according NSF 53(Drinking water treatment units—Health effects) for agreed chemicalsubstances: Pb, Atrazine (Pesticides), Ethynyl-estradiol (Medicineresidue), Bisphenol (Hormones), Chloroform (VOC's). Another element thatmay be eliminated by active coal is chlorine, that may partially havebeen removed by boiling otherwise.

As mentioned, the flow-meter can measure the lifetime of the filter.Other methods to measure the lifetime are also possible, for instancemeasuring the volume by knowledge of the pump characteristic, measuringthe time of operation by an electrical or mechanical control unit.

As follows from the above, it is preferred that the pump delivers anadjustable flow. For achieving an ultimate temperature control, a returntube 450 after the heater 20 may be preferred (see FIG. 6).

According to an embodiment, the ultra filtration unit (or filter) 111can be replaceable. A coarse filter (for example a coal filter) might beadded in front of the Ultra Filter unit to remove larger particles orturbidity.

It is to be understood that in the present application, the term“comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps. Also, each of theterms “a” and “an” does not exclude a plurality. Any reference sign(s)in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of theclaims.

LIST OF FEATURES

-   1 bottle-   2 leakage tray and adjustable stand-   3 storage water (for example 1 liter)-   4 storage powder (for example 0.4 liter)-   5 mixing chamber-   5 a mixing motor-   6 screw-   6 a motor+encoder-   7 load cell-   8 pump-   9 flow-meter-   10 UV tank-   11 Calcium lumps filter-   12 UV lamp-   20 flow through heater-   21 tank present-   22 almost empty indicator-   23 temp 1 sensor-   24 UV sensor-   25 TCO-   26, 226: Temp 2 sensor-   28 Switch-   P powder-   CW, CW1, CW2 cold water conduits-   HW, HW1, HW2 hot water conduits-   111 membrane filter-   212 Heater-   231 three way valve-   232 cooling system, for example cooler peltier-   233 cooling system pump-   205 active mixing area-   310 UV filter-   450 return tube

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for producing a drink in acontainer from mixing a powder formula with a hot liquid having a firsttemperature, the method comprising acts of: storing in a storagereservoir cold liquid having a second temperature which is lower thanthe first temperature; receiving by a heater the cold liquid from thestorage reservoir and providing the hot liquid from the heater;providing the cold liquid to the container; preparing a drinkconcentrate by mixing an amount of the powder formula necessary for atotal amount of drink in a certain amount of the hot liquid; andproviding the drink concentrate to the container including the coldliquid to reach a drinking temperature between the first temperature andthe second temperature, wherein the method further comprises one or moreof (a) discharging the hot liquid into a mixing unit that comprises anact of cooling the hot liquid by a cooler to provide a cooled liquid tothe mixing unit where the preparing act is performed, and (b)discharging the hot liquid by (i) placing the heater in a first state todischarge the hot liquid into the mixing unit where the preparing act isperformed, and (ii) placing the heater in a second state to dischargethe hot liquid into a return conduit coupled to the storage reservoir.2. The method of claim 1, wherein discharging the hot liquid into themixing unit comprises the act of cooling the hot liquid by the cooler toprovide the cooled liquid to the mixing unit where the preparing act isperformed, wherein the cooler comprises one of a heat exchanger, aPeltier element, a heat sink, a fan and a zeolite-system.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein discharging the hot liquid comprises the acts of:placing the heater in the first state to discharge the hot liquid intothe mixing unit where the preparing act is performed; and placing theheater in the second state to discharge the hot liquid into the returnconduit, wherein the return conduit is configured to feed the hot liquidback to the storage reservoir.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising acts of: irradiating the cold liquid with UV radiation from aUV lamp; and providing an indication of a UV-dose of the UV radiationfrom a UV lamp.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising an act ofpumping the cold liquid with a pump.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising acts of: filtering the cold liquid with a filter; measuring alifetime of the filter; and generating a signal when the lifetime isreached.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising acts of: filteringthe cold liquid with a filter; and providing an indication to change thefilter when an automated baby-milk machine that includes the filter hasnot been used for a certain time.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein thepreparing act includes an act of stirring the hot liquid and the powderformula while adding the powder formula to the hot liquid to prepare thedrink concentrate.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the preparing actincludes acts of: stirring the hot liquid in the mixing unit to create awater vortex; and adding the powder formula to the water vortex toprepare the drink concentrate.
 10. A method for producing a drink frommixing powder formula with a liquid, the method comprising acts of:storing in a liquid reservoir of an automated baby-milk machine a coldliquid at a temperature lower than 60 degrees Celsius; heating by aheater of the automated baby-milk machine the cold liquid from theliquid reservoir to form a hot liquid; providing the cold liquid to acontainer; preparing a drink concentrate by mixing an amount of thepowder formula necessary for an end volume of the drink in an amount ofthe hot liquid from the heater having a temperature between 60 degreesCelsius and 80 degrees Celsius; and providing the drink concentrate tothe container for mixing with the cold liquid in order to reach the endvolume of the drink at a desired drinking temperature, wherein themethod further comprises one or more of (a) discharging the hot liquidinto a mixing chamber that comprises an act of cooling the hot liquid bya cooler to provide a cooled liquid to the mixing chamber where thepreparing act is performed, and (b) discharging the hot liquid by (i)placing the heater in a first state to discharge the hot liquid into themixing chamber where the preparing act is performed, and (ii) placingthe heater in a second state to discharge the hot liquid into a returnconduit coupled to the liquid reservoir.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein discharging the hot liquid comprises the acts of: placing theheater in the first state to discharge the hot liquid into the mixingchamber; and placing the heater in the second state to discharge the hotliquid into the return conduit, wherein the return conduit is configuredto feed the hot liquid back to the liquid reservoir.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein discharging the hot liquid into the mixing chambercomprises the act of cooling the hot liquid by the cooler to provide thecooled liquid, wherein the cooler comprises one of a heat exchanger, aPeltier element, a heat sink, a fan and a zeolite-system.
 13. The methodof claim 10, further comprising acts of: irradiating the cold liquidwith UV radiation from a UV lamp; and providing an indication of aUV-dose of the UV radiation from a UV lamp.
 14. The method of claim 10,further comprising an act of pumping the cold liquid with a pump. 15.The method of claim 10, further comprising acts of: filtering the coldliquid with a filter; measuring a lifetime of the filter; and generatinga signal when the lifetime is reached.
 16. The method of claim 10,further comprising acts of: filtering the cold liquid with a filter; andproviding an indication to change the filter when the automatedbaby-milk machine that includes the filter has not been used for acertain time.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the preparing actincludes an act of stirring the hot liquid and the powder formula whileadding the powder formula to the hot liquid to prepare the drinkconcentrate.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the preparing actincludes acts of: stirring the hot liquid in the mixing chamber tocreate a water vortex; and adding the powder formula to the water vortexto prepare the drink concentrate.